4 Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer

Summertime is a favorite time of year for many, especially for kids. No more school or homework for months! The kids can laze the days away in front of the television, or so they think, and you can turn it off and make them spend quality time with mom. Nobody blames you. Every mom and dad fights the same battle until school starts again. Don’t waste your efforts combating summer heat. Keep your home cool and fight with the kids over screen usage instead.

1. Maintain Your HVAC Unit

Before summer boils down upon you, take advantage of the superior cooling and heating services in your area. Call in a local technician to give your HVAC unit the once-over to ensure it is ready to run all summer long. The technician will make certain all parts are in working order, fluids are clean and replenished, and that your ventilation system is safe and ready for use as well. Manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep your warranty active, so a spring service visit is a good idea.

2. Redo the Indoors

Get your husband’s approval, finally, for some indoor redecorating. If you do not have heavy drapes or other window treatments on all windows, you’re allowing the sun’s hot rays in through your windows. Do you have ceiling fans in all your rooms and at the top of the stairs? No? It’s time to install them. When it gets hot outside, closing the drapes and blinds and turning on the ceiling fans keeps it cooler inside. Your AC works less and you save money on your utility bills. There! You just justified the expense.

3. Redo the Outdoors

While you’re at it, convince your hubby it’s time to install outside awnings over the windows and redo the patio. The less sun that beats down on your patios, porches, doors, and windows, the less heat seeps inside. If you don’t have your front and back porches and patios covered, you’re inviting hot air in. The cooler the area surrounding your home’s exterior stays, the cooler the interior stays. Plus, everyone can spend time outdoors in the morning and evenings under the protection of the covered patio.

4. Rethink Your Dinners

Finally, while you’re covering the patio, it’s also time to remind your hubby he’s the barbecue king and you need an outdoor kitchen. Numerous things heat up the inside of your home throughout the day, and the kitchen is one of the primary ones. Rethink how you cook during the summer. Anything that can be cooked outside should be, and everything else should be heated in smaller appliances, such as the microwave or a toaster oven. The cooler you keep your kitchen the more comfortable everyone is.

You can beat the summer heat if you prepare for it in advance. Make certain your AC and home are ready to combat the sun’s oppressive rays, and make certain everyone stays hydrated throughout the warm summer months, too. This might be the most important thing of all because heat-related illnesses can be deadly to little ones, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Enjoy the summer rather than dread it. Keep cool and turn it into precious family time.

David Allred has been working from home as an internet marketer, blogger and serial entrepreneur for nearly a decade. In addition to writing occasionally on GoodIdeasandTips, he spends most of his time with his family, volunteer coaching, hooping it up or eating cookies.